The new test uses an antibody-system to measure the mid-cycle surge of luteinizing hormone in a woman`s urine. The LH level generally increases about 30 hours before ovulation, or the release of an egg from an ovary.

The Quidel Medical Biology Institute in La Jolla, Calif., manufactures the kit, which sells to doctors for about $27. It is expected to be available over-the-counter late next year.

Dr. David H. Katz, the endocrinologist who founded Quidel, said the Quest kit combines safety, accuracy and convenience for working couples or those with fertility problems.

''For many couples, Quest can be the starting point in pinpointing their infertility problems,'' he said. ''This is a quick and accurate home examination. It tells women that their ovulation cycle is proceeding normally, rather than having to resort to more expensive and time-consuming procedures.''

It takes 35 minutes daily to complete Quest`s five-day, five-step process. Those steps include collecting a daily urine sample, mixing it with an antibody-enzyme solution, testing the sample with a kit strip, rinsing the strip, then placing it in a liquid color developer for 10 minutes to get test results.